Question

In positive and negative correlations, dependent variable and , respectively, if independent variable decreases.

• A. remains same
• B. increases
• C. decreases
• D. always goes to zero

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

decreases

Let's take two examples to understand the relation between independent and dependent variables for postive and negative correlations.

Example 1

The following scatter plot depicts the correlation between fruits production and the number of trees planted in an orchard.


Here, the vertical axis represents the dependent variable, quantity of produced fruits, which depends upon the number of trees planted; an independent variable which is represented on the horizontal axis.

We observe that with an increase in the number of planted trees, the fruits production increases, i.e., the dependent variable increases with an increase in independent variable. In other words, the dependent variable decreases if independemt variable decreases.

$\therefore$ This is an example of positive correlation.

Example 2

Let's analyze the scatter plot for dropping of temperature at noon with an increase in tree plantation.



Here, the temperature at noon decreases with an increase in tree plantation.

We observe that the temperature at noon is dependent on the number of planted trees. So, tempature at noon is a dependent variable and the number of planted tress is an independent variable.

Here, we can conclude that with an increase in independent variable, dependent variable decreases. In other words, dependent variable increases if independent variable decreases.

$\therefore$ This is an example of negative correlation.